Bite Your Tongue! 10 Ways to Be an Effective Listener

Written by Joy Fisher-Sykes

Continued from page 1 may be difficult for speaker to talk about this matter. * Empathy doesn’t mean you have to agree with speaker. * Avoid thinking about how to “one up” speaker with your own tale of woe. 6. Be patient * We often interrupt because we are afraid we will forget our point(s). Don’t interrupt - allow speaker to finish what she/he has to say. * Don’t’ finish speaker’s sentences because you think they’re taking too long to get to point. * Focus on what is being said instead of what you think is going to be said. 7. Eliminate interruptions and distractions * When possible, speak in a neutral location to avoid interruptions and distractions. * Be aware of and avoid interruptions – phones or pagers (use voice mail), visitors (close door) and distractions (voice mail light, overflowing in box, incoming mail). 8. Seek Understanding * Focus on main points. * Paraphrase and seek clarification of points that are unclear or that you don’t understand. 9. Show you’re actively listening * Listen with more than just your ears. Acknowledge and respond to speaker with facial expressions (smile, nod/shake your head, eye contact) and verbal comments (“I see,” “I understand,” “okay,” “yes”) to aid conversation. 10. Simply Listen * Sometimes our idea of listening is to jump in and give unwanted advice. Listening is not an open invitation to resolve a dilemma. Just listen because often speaker simply seeks a sympathetic ear.

Whether you are a manager or employee, husband or wife, parent or child, pastor or parishioner, friend or foe, listening is critical to success of your relationships. Take time to truly listen to others and discover you’ll not only improve your relationships, you will achieve a new level of overall success in your life. Apply these techniques today so you can enjoy a better tomorrow!

Joy Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and a leading expert in the areas of communication, stress management, women issues, and motivation. You can e-mail her at mailto:jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call her at (757) 427-7032. Go to her web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for her newsletter, OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Empowerment and Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional."

Public Relations—A Free Lunch?

Written by Claire Cunningham

Continued from page 1

CASE HISTORIES These can highlight your company's problem solving abilities. And well-written case histories are in demand -- by readers and editors alike. You can work with a single publication to place a case history or broadcast it to many publications.

TECHNICAL FEATURES Getting a technical article placed in right publication can enhance credibility quickly. To be successful this tactic must be backed with careful research and planning to ensure topic is timely. Usually you’ll work with a single publication to place a feature.